RCW 36.24.190
Medical examiner—When authorized—Election—Qualifications for appointment.
In a county with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or more, the county legislative authority may, upon majority vote at an election called by the county legislative authority, adopt a system under which a medical examiner may be appointed to replace the office of the coroner. The county legislative authority must adopt a resolution or ordinance that creates the office of medical examiner at least thirty days prior to the first day of filing for the primary election for county offices. If a county adopts such a resolution or ordinance, the resolution or ordinance shall be referred to the voters for confirmation or rejection at the next date for a special election according to RCW 29A.04.321. If the resolution or ordinance is approved by majority vote, no election shall be held for the position of coroner and the coroner's position is abolished following the expiration of the coroner's term of office or upon vacating of the office of the coroner for any reason. The county legislative authority shall appoint a medical examiner to assume the statutory duties performed by the county coroner and the appointment shall become effective following the expiration of the coroner's term of office or upon the vacating of the office of the coroner. To be appointed as a medical examiner pursuant to this section, a person must either be: (1) Certified as a forensic pathologist by the American board of pathology; or (2) a qualified physician eligible to take the American board of pathology exam in forensic pathology within one year of being appointed. A physician specializing in pathology who is appointed to the position of medical examiner and who is not certified as a forensic pathologist must pass the pathology exam within three years of the appointment.
[ 2006 c 344 § 27; 1996 c 108 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner.
36.24.010 - To act as sheriff under certain conditions.
36.24.020 - Inquests—Jury—Venue—Payment of costs.
36.24.030 - Penalty for nonattendance of juror.
36.24.040 - Duty of coroner's jury—Oath.
36.24.050 - Power to summon witnesses—Subpoenas.
36.24.060 - Power to employ physician or surgeon—Compensation.
36.24.080 - Testimony reduced to writing in certain cases and witnesses recognized.
36.24.090 - Procedure where accused is under arrest.
36.24.100 - Procedure where accused is at large—Delivery of findings to the prosecuting attorney.
36.24.130 - Property of deceased.
36.24.140 - Duty of treasurer.
36.24.150 - Delivery to representatives.
36.24.160 - District judge may act as coroner.
36.24.170 - Coroner not to practice law.
36.24.180 - Audit of coroner's account.
36.24.190 - Medical examiner—When authorized—Election—Qualifications for appointment.
36.24.200 - Subpoena for production—Authority.
36.24.205 - Medicolegal forensic investigation training required.